MP-11S Masterpiece Sunstorm Listed for Pre-Order on BBTS

Site sponsor BigBadToyStore dropped by let us know they have listed the pre-order for Takara's MP-11S Masterpiece Sunstorm. The figure features the coronation kit and mold modifications from MP-11 Starscream Version 2.0. Priced at $249.99 (price has not been finalized, they're hoping it ends up being a bit lower) and estimated to arrive in August.

I was looking forward to this. especially with the updated mold, but $250? F**k. That. I'll wait a year or 2 until it drops to $150 or below. I don't even care about the coronation kit, I just want the figure.

D'ohI wanna preface the following criticism by saying that I enjoyed and followed the DreamWave comics storyline several years ago when they were attempting to fleshout this charater and I was very frustrated that they were never able to wrap up and resolve that storyline before going bankrupt or whatever it was that caused them to go belly up.But that being said, I'm not too impressed with this figure. First off the paint apps are a little distracting. Why is the bottom half of the figure a lighter shade of orange (praticly yellow) as opposed to the top portion? Thats not how he was portrayed in the comics (and lets face it, his comic appearance seems to be the most we have to go on thus far). I've yet to see a paint job that accuratly captures his metallic orange hugh in any official figure. The Botcon exclusive Hero's of Cybertron PVC figure is closer to it than this thing and thats sad. I've also seen customs that look better than this and more comic accurate.

Second, why does he include the cape and crown of Starscream's coronation? I mean yeah I get it, I know he's a repaint and all, but so are the other Seekers and they don't all come with the same gear. I mean the MP Skywarp add on crown/cape was funny a few years ago but that still doesn't seem to justify this. And yes, I'm aware that Sunstorm is a genetic clone of Screamer storyline wise and all but he certainly didn't mimic Starscreams behavior in his portrayal in the comics. He had more of an ordained mesianic napolean syndrom (with a kick ass light show for added measure) as opposed to Starscreams limited sociopathic tendancies and shallow grabs for power. So the addition of the cape and crown seem somehow out of place to me. Why couldn't they come up with a new unique gimmick to compliment Sunstorm.

And third, the price...ouch. This hobby is getting harder and harder to absorb in these financial times. I mean yeah I can afford it but I would feel like an idiot for spending that kind of cabbage on this as opposed to waiting for something more original and fun to come down the pipeline.

*And I bet that it's being produced in a more limited number than the Starscream version (El Duque?) making this the rarer of the two, hence the price. Seems like a blatant moneygrab, but then again, you could say that about this hobby as a whole these days lol.

I don't know thats just my take, I have no doubt that there are those of you that'll disagree. Meh, it's a pass for me.

While i agree with everyone here about the price being ridiculous compared to MP-11, don't think these things get cheaper in the long run, when such toys get old they become rare and even more expensive.

I'll save my $$ for a new mold, Sideswipe, hopefully Soundwave. I haven't really seen a close-up of the new Sunstorm/Starscream face, but from afar it seems to have a slight Planet of the Apes quality.

G1 Legacy wrote:*And I bet that it's being produced in a more limited number than the Starscream version (El Duque?) making this the rarer of the two, hence the price. Seems like a blatant moneygrab, but then again, you could say that about this hobby as a whole these days lol.

Yes, this one is "limited" though I don't recall the actual production numbers. Lower than the general release MP-11 though.

One thing that wasn't mentioned in the news post was that this is just a preliminary preorder and the price is subject to change as they are waiting final pricing confirmation. It's very possible that the price could go down.

This is one of the few figures I actually would like to get. But again, not sure why theses masterpieces are all of a suddent went up past the hundreds. I remember the first few masterpieces, optimus, starscream, ultra Magnus. They were on about 80 bucks. What happened?

I know it's not entirely BBTS' decision to charge that much (taking into consideration the cost of acquiring them) but they must be mad if they think people are going to pay $250 for such a bland repaint. I mean, what's with the dull and lifeless colours and the explanation behind the two-tone orange? It looks like Sunstorm's been sitting with his tail sticking out of the hanger and it's become sun bleached.

Sodan-1 wrote:I know it's not entirely BBTS' decision to charge that much (taking into consideration the cost of acquiring them) but they must be mad if they think people are going to pay $250 for such a bland repaint. I mean, what's with the dull and lifeless colours and the explanation behind the two-tone orange? It looks like Sunstorm's been sitting with his tail sticking out of the hanger and it's become sun bleached.

There wasn't enough room left between Starscream and the other 2 so he got the space that was left!

Sodan-1 wrote:I know it's not entirely BBTS' decision to charge that much (taking into consideration the cost of acquiring them) but they must be mad if they think people are going to pay $250 for such a bland repaint. I mean, what's with the dull and lifeless colours and the explanation behind the two-tone orange? It looks like Sunstorm's been sitting with his tail sticking out of the hanger and it's become sun bleached.

There wasn't enough room left between Starscream and the other 2 so he got the space that was left!

Yeah. Maybe the new guy's being shunned by the vets and has to sit outside.

LOST Cybertronian wrote:One thing that wasn't mentioned in the news post was that this is just a preliminary preorder and the price is subject to change as they are waiting final pricing confirmation. It's very possible that the price could go down.

Site sponsor BigBadToyStore has reduced the price on Takara's MP-11S Masterpiece Sunstorm from $219.99 to $179.99! Click here for the pre-order. The figure is estimated to arrive in August.

Special Preorder - Price Cut! We've reduced all existing preorders from $219.99 to $179.99 - preorder yours now at $179.99 while stock remains.

This set should include the Coronation kit found on MP-11 Starscream and also feature the Seeker mold modifcations. This version may not come with the collectible coin.

MP-11S Masterpiece Sunstorm measures 13” long in jet mode and 10” high in robot mode. Extensively articulated, the figure is equipped with arm-mounted removable guns, and should be accompanied by decals, missile accessories, and a missile-rack display base configured to support both robot and jet modes; presumably this version will include the same switch-between facial expression feature found in Masterpiece Starscream.

A flaw in the manufacture of Sunstorm’s fusion reactor provides him with the approximation of a transcendent glow, simultaneously causing him to emit terrific heat and electromagnetic waves which damage the internal systems of any fellow Decepticons within his vicinity. Barring the installation of elaborate shielding to contain his corrosive emissions, Sunstorm frequently works alone, and this solitude ostensibly fuels his conviction that he, Sunstorm, is in fact a supernatural being; when in the presence of others his professed supernatural status and subsequent pontifications only succeed in further alienating his teammates. Sunstorm reaches an atmospheric speed of 2400 km/h and 16000 km/h in outer space.

G1 Legacy wrote:And I have a feeling that its going to drop even more than this before its over with....patience...patience. I may consider getting it just for the heck of it, if it drops enough.

Considering it's an exclusive to Amazon Japan and the shipping costs to BBTS, I can't agree with your assessment. Unless there are several sitting in stock a year after the release.

I just put in a pre-order with another retailer last night to get this figure (with shipping comes to about $182), but would've went with Big Bad had they made this call sooner. This is the right price I'm willing to pay, knowing that shipping fees to America would prohibit further price reductions.

I'm gonna get him but I'm not gonna pay $180 plus shipping I'll pay $180 shipped also I predict ultra Magnus with trailer that turns into his armor to be mp-13 then another repaint of a seeker then mp-14 megatron v2 then another repaint of a seeker then mp-15 Galvatron dam that little birdie is gonna kill me

Stormrider wrote:I am really impressed with the quality and mold of MP-11 Starscream. I have all the seekers and this MP-11 is by far the best in my opinion. If Sunstorm is the same, I may get it.

It is and it's getting the stand like the old seekers and the turn around face like the old seekers it's gonna be nice just like mp-11 with extras

Curious how it will get the extra face? there isn't any space in MP11's head to turn the face because of the springs.

Idk but I read it not sure if it was the bbts news letter they sent me or if it was on here but I read it that's one of the main reasons I'm interested in getting it because of the face and the stand

It's bbts in the description when your about to buy the toy

I hate to burst people's bubbles but BBTS says:

MP-11S Masterpiece Sunstorm measures 13” long in jet mode and 10” high in robot mode. Extensively articulated, the figure is equipped with arm-mounted removable guns, and should be accompanied by decals, missile accessories, and a missile-rack display base configured to support both robot and jet modes; presumably this version will include the same switch-between facial expression feature found in Masterpiece Starscream.

MP-11 Starscream sadly only has one face. Unless they plan to use the head from MP-03 I can't see how it's going to work.